Seeking a therapist in NoVA with experience in traumatic stress

August 6, 2014 6:40 AM

I work in an extremely stressful field in which I make life and death decisions every day. I've been doing it for a long time, and I have good coping mechanisms, but recently my exposure to death and suffering has gone way up. I'd like to connect with a therapist in the Northern Virginia area with experience with traumatic stress, who could help me adapt to the demands this is putting on me. Someone experienced in treating members of the military might be helpful, but is definitely not necessary. Mostly I'm looking for somebody who has worked with people who encounter a lot of death and need to build appropriate coping skills.
posted by anonymous to Human Relations (2 answers total)

He's in the Dupont Circle area, rather than No. VA, and may not be the right person for you, but, if not, I would definitely trust him to refer you to someone good if you talk to him and explain what you are looking for: Dr. Christopher Santangelo. (I think his email address may have changed recently, but the phone number on the website is current.)
posted by gudrun at 8:09 AM on August 6, 2014

I just finished a summer internship down at Duke University, where I worked with a therapist who was incorporating somatic experiencing into her pratice. Sounds like it might be right up your alley.

I'm originally from northern Virginia, so I did a practitioner search--I saw some in Falls Church, Vienna, Manassas, Fairfax, and Alexandria (as well as DC proper).

Best of luck!
posted by trampoliningisfun at 5:43 PM on August 6, 2014